How to remove lint from black clothes in washing machine?

Finding a good lint remover for the washing machine can be a pain, especially if your clothes are black. From shirts to pants to jackets, we all have black staples in our wardrobe to elevate our everyday looks. Unfortunately, the condition of lint on black garments is significantly worse than that of any other colour, a fact we will elaborate on later. In this blog, we have mentioned the top lint removers for black clothing.

Why do black pants attract so much lint?

Have you ever noticed that the lint on your black clothing looks way worse than clothing in other colours? The main reason behind this is that lint is usually light in colour, which stands out more against darker fabrics due to the high level of contrast. After some wear and washing, the areas of high wear and tear (like knees, elbows, inside of collars etc.) start attracting lint, which ruins the overall appearance of black garments. 

Method 1: BIORESTORE cotton 

For black cottons, BIORESTORE cotton is the best lint remover, fabric shaver, colour fixer, and texture reviver. You may have noticed that the colour and texture of your clothing are seriously hampered by lint and pilling. This 4-in-1 laundry powder targets lint and pilling in the laundry machine, hence reviving the original vibrancy and handfeel of your black garments. 

1. Pick out your lined or pilled cotton garments. 

1. Select the right quantity of laundry powder for your clothing, i.e., one sachet of BIORESTORE for 0.34 kg of garments. A box of BIORESTORE has 3 sachets and can remove lint from a total of 1 kg of cotton garments (dry weight). 

1. Add BIORESTORE cotton to the washing machine drum. 

1. Run a 2-hour cycle in “cotton” or “eco” mode. Set the temperature to 40ºC (104ºF). 

1. Once the cycle is completed, toss the clothes in a tumble dryer. 

1. Your clothes are restored with BIORESTORE! 

Note: For clothes that cannot be tumble-dried, rinse them off with a little detergent and line dry. 

Method 2: Scotch/Duct Tape 

Common household objects, such as scotch tape, can be used to capture some of the lint from your black clothing. If not scotch tape (specifically), you can make do with any other sticky or adhesive tape. 

Simply fold a piece of tape over so there are two sticky sides. Put one of these sides on your finger and use the second side to remove lint from clothing.

For larger areas of lint, sticky contact paper or an adhesive sheet can be used. Press and roll the paper until you get off the fuzz from your black fabrics.

Keep in mind that this method is only effective for removing some lint from your clothes. Adhesive sheets and tapes are generally incapable of catching pilling or bobbles from your garments. Moreover, you need to get a new tape or sheet after every use, as they are disposable and extremely unsustainable. 

Method 3: Lint roller 

A lint roller has long been considered the best lint remover for clothing of all colours and types. But is it really that good? Unfortunately, not! 

Given the emphasis on sustainable fashion, people now know better than using disposable adhesive sheets for removing lint and pilling from their clothing. 

Not only is a lint remover bad for the environment, but it also ruins your garments in the long run. What happens is that when you roll over a lint roller, it leaves some of the residue behind, which attracts even more lint and debris in the future. 

This self-fulfilling prophecy ultimately makes you extremely dependent on lint removers, until you finally decide to throw your linted or pilled blacks in the bin. 

Now, we are not saying that it’s all bad. If you are running short on time or want some finishing touches to make your clothing appear “brand new,” you can use a lint roller. However, make sure to use it only as a last-minute gadget instead of a regular laundry care product. 

Using a lint roller is pretty straightforward. Lay your black clothes on a flat, raised surface (a table would be a good option). Roll the lint remover over your clothing in long strokes to capture the lint. For maximum efficiency, remove lint in sections so no part of your favourite black pants, shirts, or trousers gets left behind. In the case of stubborn lint, you may have to repeat the process until you get satisfactory results. 

Method 4: Dryer sheet 

The dryer sheet is another lint remover for the washing machine. For washable black clothes with static buildup, you can easily use this method. 

Toss your black clothes with lint, pilling, or bobbles in the laundry machine. Run the “air-only or “air-dry” cycle and add a dryer sheet. The main purpose of a dryer sheet is to reduce the static electricity cycle in your clothing, which naturally results in lint and pilling removal.  

The results of this method depend on several factors, including fabric type, stubbornness of lint, and sheet quality. For heavy lint or delicate fabrics (wool, cashmere, silk), you may need to select a different lint removal method. 

Method 5: Pumice Stone 

A pumice stone is another household gadget often used for removing lint or pilling. Traditionally, these stones were used to exfoliate dead skin from feet, but they can also be used to remove lint, debris, etc. from clothing. If you don’t have it in your home already, you can find it at a drugstore or your nearby grocery store. 

Before using a pumice stone on the overall fabric, try it on a smaller area of your clothing first. If you see any fabric damage, then don’t use it on the other areas of the garment. Also, make sure to stay extra cautious while using a pumice stone, as it can snag the fabric. 

Our Verdict 

Picking the right lint remover or fabric shaver depends on multiple factors, including the type of fabric, severity of pilling, sustainability, budget, and availability. When it comes to cotton and cotton blends, BIORESTORE is the best lint remover for washing machines. For delicate fabrics such as silk, cashmere, wool, etc., a reusable lint roller or a clothing brush is the best option. Other methods, including dryer sheets, duct tape, and pumice stone, can be used to get rid of slight lint and pilling from black clothing. 

FAQ’s 

How do I remove lint from black clothes with no plastic waste? 

To reduce plastic waste generated by the fashion industry, it is important to switch to eco-friendly lint-removal methods such as BIORESTORE cotton. Unlike lint rollers and duct tapes, BIORESTORE cotton is highly sustainable. The laundry powder breathes a new life into your linted and faded black garments and reduces the need for “brand-new” textiles